College Guidance

• 100% of the Class of 2009 will attend four year institutions.
• 25% of the Class of 2009 has been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. They were among the top five percent of over 1.4 million test takers.
• 13% are attending the University of Pennsylvania, including the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business and Wharton.
• Four students scored 800 in the Critical Reading section of the SAT, with one each scoring 800 in math and writing.
• The average ACT score was 28 (range 11-36).
• Graduation Requirements: English (4 years), World Language (2 years), Math (4 years), Science (4 years), History (4 years), Hebrew (4 years), Bible (4 years), Jewish Studies (4 years), Health (2 years), Physical Education (3 years) and Community Service.

Class of 2007
Middle 50% Range
Critical Reading- 540-650
Math-540-680
Writing- 550-660

Class of 2008
Middle 50% Range
Critical Reading- 580-690
Math- 570-720
Writing- 620-740

Class of 2009
Middle 50% Range
Critical Reading- 590-710
Math- 580-710
Writing- 570-730

Class of 2007
National Merit Finalists- 1
National Merit Commended- 4

Class of 2008
National Merit Finalist Scholars- 1
National Merit Finalist- 4
National Merit Commended- 5

Class of 2009
National Merit Scholars- 1
National Merit Finalists- 2
National Merit Commended- 12

What is the mission of the College Guidance Office?

Our mission is to guide students and families through the process of applying to colleges and universities. We help them make informed decisions and help find "matches" for students with several colleges.

When should we start thinking about applying to colleges?

Start during your junior year with an emphasis on choosing colleges. Use the time early in your senior year to apply to colleges.

When is College Application Night?

First week of school every year, we have a College Application Night for senior year students and parents. We explain procedures for senior year and answer any questions you might have.

How do we stay on top of all of the deadlines?

Barrack Hebrew Academy publishes a weekly newsletter, College Counseling Comments, which is distributed in grade meetings every Monday throughout the fall and e-mailed to all seniors and their parents. Reminders of deadlines, college representative visits, open house invitations and scholarship opportunities are included.

When are you available to help?

During junior year, each family schedules an hour-long appointment to discuss students' preferences for college. Six college selection presentations are given for all juniors in the classrooms to discuss researching colleges, visiting, interviewing, writing essays, etc. A college selection night is offered for students and parents during junior year. During senior year, we have individual meetings and also group "open hours" for review of applications and essays, choosing teachers for recommendations and of course any questions. Students can set up meetings during the day or evening.

Do colleges visit Barrack Hebrew Academy for recruiting?

Students can attend presentations given by admissions representatives from over 40 colleges and universities.

Once we've applied, what's next?

We meet with students to review the final list of colleges where they are applying. In April, students often seek advice on their final college decision.

Can you help us with financial aid applications?

Barrack Hebrew Academy offers a program given by a financial aid officer every November and parents of juniors and seniors are invited to attend. Books, forms, and additional materials are available in the College Guidance office for assistance in identifying and applying for aid.